Art of Early Mesoamerica (Before 600 CE)

Olmec Sculpture

Artistic tradition from 1200-400 BCE in Mesoamerica.

Colossal Head

Large Olmec stone sculptures, approximately 13 tons.

La Venta

Olmec city active around 900-400 BCE.

Maize

Staple food crop essential to Mesoamerican cultures.

Teotihuacan

Major Mesoamerican city from 150-650 CE.

Ceremonial Ax (Celt)

Jade tool symbolizing agricultural deities, 11½ inches tall.

Continuous Narrative

Art depicting multiple scenes in a single composition.

Pyramid of the Sun

Largest pyramid in Teotihuacan, over 200 feet tall.

Pyramid of the Moon

Significant pyramid in Teotihuacan's urban layout.

True Fresco

Technique of painting on wet plaster for durability.

Greenstone Mask

Mask made from greenstone, used in Teotihuacan art.

Drinker Figure

Ceramic representation from Colima, 23 inches tall.

Urban Plan

Teotihuacan's geometric layout reflecting organized society.

Ritual Calendar

260-day calendar used in Mesoamerican cultures.

Jade

Precious stone used in Olmec and Maya art.

Incised

Technique of carving designs into a surface.

Maya Frescoes

Complex wall paintings depicting narratives and deities.

Celt

Type of ceremonial tool resembling an axe.

Population of Teotihuacan

Estimated at 250,000 at its peak.

Sacred Symbols

Teotihuacan imagery widely copied across Mesoamerica.

Horned Cap

Signifies importance in West Mexican ceramic figures.

Fresco

Painting technique on wet plaster for vibrant colors.

Olmec Art

Art characterized by monumental sculptures and jade.

Mesoamerican Deities

Gods central to cultural and artistic expressions.

Ritualized Game

Traditional Mesoamerican ball game with cultural significance.

Caves Symbolism

Represented in architecture, indicating spiritual beliefs.

Sinuous Contours

Curved lines in Maya art emphasizing organic forms.